Hastings

Hastings combines trails along the Mississippi River with waterfall scenery and historical discoveries. This makes the town appealing to travelers who like to vary their days: spending time outdoors one day and focusing on architecture and local history another. A vineyard and an experiential brewery are also among the town’s distinctive attractions.

Trails, River, and Nature

Hastings offers more than 30 miles of trails for hiking and biking. One specific option is the Ten-Mile Loop, a hiking and biking trail along the Mississippi River. If you like to include outdoor activity in your stay, you can make these trails one focus of your trip. The Loop is explicitly described as suitable for two ways of getting around: on foot and by bike.

One stop on Hastings’ Ten-Mile Loop is Vermillion Falls Park. There, visitors can see the 35-foot-high Vermillion Falls. The park also offers opportunities for picnicking and exploring, as well as views of the waterfall and a limestone gorge. A visit combines natural attractions with a place to take a break outdoors. The waterfall’s height and the gorge give the park a distinctive landscape feature to consider when choosing your outings.

There are natural areas to discover beyond this park, too: the Hastings Parks & Recreation Department manages 33 sites. Visitors can explore trails and natural areas there, and these sites are especially well suited to birdwatching. Those who enjoy observing wildlife will find another focus here alongside hiking and biking. As you plan your vacation, you can consider whether nature experiences or cultural attractions should shape your days.

Historic Homes and Local History

The LeDuc Historic Estate now serves as a museum and offers tours of a Gothic Revival-style home. It’s a way to learn about Hastings’ history through a specific building. If you’re interested in historic architecture, this visit offers a different way to discover the town than spending time on the trails.

For a look at more architectural history, the Historic Hastings Walking Tour map includes a building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Hastings also has a total of 62 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These facts highlight the town’s architectural history without limiting your visit to a single home. Vermillion Falls also reveals an earlier use of the landscape: in the 19th century, the waterfall was used to power a gristmill.

Vineyard and Local Attractions

Alexis Bailly Vineyard was first planted in 1973, making it Minnesota’s first commercial vineyard. This history makes the vineyard a distinctive part of the local identity. Hastings is also home to Spiral Brewery, an experiential brewery and taproom. Together with the trails and historic sites, these attractions offer a wide range of possible travel interests without requiring you to focus your days on just one activity.

When looking for a vacation rental in Hastings, you can first consider what matters most to you during your stay: trails and birdwatching, the waterfall and scenery, historic architecture, or local food and drink.

Other places in this overview: Rosemount, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville.

For the broader travel overview: Dakota County: Nature, Family Attractions, and a Convenient Vacation Base.